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Wings' Brunnstrom Returns To Sweden

News:Fabian Brunnstrom has signed a three-year deal with Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League, MLive.com reports.

Analysis: The Wings simply didn't have room on their roster for the once highly-regarded Swedish winger. After a hat trick in his NHL debut with Dallas in 2008, Fabian Brunnstrom has failed to live up to the hype of a late bloomer heralded as a potential top-six forward.

Brunnstrom's Future With Wings In Doubt

Analysis: "Haven't written him off, but we got a couple of things in play," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "We want to explore what's out there. We're looking for certain types of guys (for Grand Rapids). I think Fabian Brunnstrom is a good player, but we need leadership, toughness down there. We're exploring the market." Brunnstrom spent most of his 2011-12 season at Grand Rapids, picking up 35 points (12 G, 23 A) over 45 games.

Wings Interested In Bringing Back Brunnstrom

News: The Wings are interested in bringing back Fabian Brunnstrom, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis: "The last 20 games, he really took a step forward in Grand Rapids," general manager Ken Holland said. "We're interested in bringing him back, and we think he's interested. We'll see what happens. But he finished strong in Grand Rapids." It's expected that Fabian Brunnstrom will receive offers from teams in Sweden, so it's unclear if he will be willing to accept another two-way deal with Detroit. Brunnstrom had 12 goals and 23 assists in 45 games with Grand Rapids (AHL) around time missed with a concussion this season.

Wings Call Up Brunnstrom

News:Fabian Brunnstrom was recalled Tuesday, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis: Now that the season is over for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, Fabian Brunnstrom will join the Red Wings. The 27-year-old only appeared in five NHL games this season, but he scored 35 points (12G, 23A) in 45 games for the Griffins. The Red Wings are currently down 2-1 to the Predators, and the team is likely hoping Brunnstrom can give them some strong minutes off the bench.

Red Wings Assign Brunnstrom To AHL Grand Rapids

News: The Red Wings assigned Fabian Brunnstrom to AHL Grand Rapids on Saturday, according to the team's official Twitter page.

Analysis: The Red Wings clearly like Fabian Brunnstrom - they have recalled him several times this season - but there just is not a regular spot for him in the lineup. As such, he'll head to Grand Rapids to get regular ice time. Expect to see him back in Detroit at some point this season.

Wings Recall Brunnstrom

Analysis: He'll be the 13th forward for now, but that could open up opportunities to play at least when the schedule puts the Wings on the ice on consecutive days as Tomas Holmstrom typically rests for the back half of those sets. Fabian Brunnstrom has been used sparingly in Detroit this season, but has three points in four games with the Griffins thus far.

Red Wings Recall Brunnstrom

Analysis:Fabian Brunnstrom will jump right into the lineup Saturday in place of Todd Bertuzzi, who will miss the game with an illness. Bertuzzi should not be out long, but it remains to be seen if Brunnstrom, or another player, will be sent out when he returns.

Wings' Brunnstrom Clears Waivers

Analysis: He was previously willing to take an assignment to Grand Rapids (AHL) and is now in position to log significant minutes with the Griffins in a bid to impress and ultimately claim a role in Detroit when injuries strike.

Brunnstrom To Debut For Wings Saturday

News:Fabian Brunnstrom will play Saturday night against Washington, MLive.com reports.

Analysis: He's been a healthy scratch for the team's first five games this season, but he'll get an opportunity to make his Wings debut in a battle of unbeaten teams Saturday with Tomas Holmstrom likely to rest.

Brunnstrom Awaiting Season Debut With Wings

News: Although he has been a healthy scratch in each of the Wings' first four games, head coach Mike Babcock believes that Fabian Brunnstrom will eventually challenge for a top-six forward role, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis: "I have to earn my spot," Fabian Brunnstrom said. "For now, I'm just working hard every day. It's nice Coach talks to us guys -- I've been on teams where coaches never talk. It's good help when you're out of the lineup, because it makes you feel better." Brunnstrom's season debut could come during the upcoming weekend when the schedule has the Wings in action on consecutive days and Tomas Holmstrom will likely be held out of the lineup Saturday as a result.

Wings Sign Brunnstrom

Analysis: No word yet if he'll have a two-way deal, but it sounds like Fabian Brunnstrom will make the Opening Night roster following the injury to Jan Mursak. We'll await further details regarding the contract and the short-term plans for him in the organization.

Wings Likely To Give Brunnstrom Contract

News:Fabian Brunnstrom is likely to receive a contract from the Red Wings early next week, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis: With the injury to Jan Mursak, and minor ailment for Danny Cleary, the Wings are in need of a regular forward in the back of their rotation. Fabian Brunnstrom has the potential be much more than a role player in the long run, but he'll have to work his way up (perhaps even with a start in the AHL) to a prominent spot by continuing to demonstrate the strong play he's shown throughout camp.

Brunnstrom Scores Two In Detroit Loss Wednesday

Analysis: While still on a tryout contract with the Red Wings, the fact that Fabian Brunnstrom has made it this far into the pre-season without being cut is a good sign for his contract status. We should find out within a few days if Detroit's management has liked enough of what its seen. Brunnstrom still has a lot to prove after the last few years of disappointment.

Brunnstrom Pots Game-Winning Goal In Wings' Scrimmage

News:Fabian Brunnstrom scored the game-winning goal in Sunday's scrimmage and has impressed early on in training camp, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis: Since scoring 17 goals in 55 games as a rookie with the Stars, Fabian Brunnstrom has struggled to crack the NHL rotation with Dallas and Toronto. He's in Detroit on a tryout basis right now, but has expressed willingness to go to Grand Rapids (AHL) if needed and could wind up getting a look in Detroit down the line if he's able to impress his way to a contract in the coming weeks.

Brunnstrom Willing To Play In AHL

News:Fabian Brunnstrom is willing to play in the AHL if the Wings ask him to do so, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis: As of now, the Wings already have 14 forwards and Fabian Brunnstrom is on a tryout contract anyway, so it will be interesting to see how things turn out for the 26-year-old Swede now that his prospect star has faded.

Wings Giving Brunnstrom A Tryout

News: Brunnstrom has signed a tryout contract with the Red Wings, MLive.com reports.

Analysis: The Wings were among the teams Brunnstrom considered upon arrival in the NHL in 2008 before he chose Dallas. Ultimately, things didn't turn out quite the way many expected as the young Swedish forward fell out of favor with the Stars and had difficulty staying in the lineup on a nightly basis for parts of his time there.

Brunnstrom Traded To Toronto

Analysis: Brunnstrom seemed to regress from 2008 to 2009, and he hadn't seen any NHL work in 2010 prior to this trade. He has 37 games under his belt with Dallas' AHL affiliate this season and has potted 11 goals and 10 assists. It's not clear whether Toronto might have bigger plans for him than Dallas did. Toronto was one of his four potential destinations when he first arrived in the NHL; he ultimately chose Dallas.

Brunnstrom, Stars avoid arbitration

News: The Dallas Stars have agreed to terms with forward Fabian Brunnstrom on a one-year contract worth $675,000. The deal was reached before a scheduled arbitration hearing Friday in Toronto.

Analysis: The 25-year-old Swede was one of the top free agents when he signed with the Stars two years ago. He had 17 goals in 55 games as a rookie but struggled with a shoulder injury last season. He had two goals in 44 games. He has not made the impact in the NHL or in Fantasy that everyone thought he would. Brunnstrom is going to be a wait-and-see Fantasy option heading into 2010-11.

Brunnstrom has 1st goal since Oct.

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Sunday against the Coyotes. Brunnstrom made it 3-2 with 7:02 left, knocking in the rebound of his own shot. It was his second goal and first score since Oct. 30.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has managed three points in nine games since his recall from the minors. It has been a tough transition for Brunnstrom since he has come over from the Swedish Elite Legaue. He showed flashes of his potential last season, but he has really hit a rut in his second NHL campaign. Brunnstrom has a long ways to go to becoming a reliable Fantasy option.

Brunnstrom has first point since recall

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars RW Fabian Brunnstrom assisted on Tom Wandell's goal Monday against the Wild, giving him his seventh helper of the season. It's been a quiet campaign, however, for the young Swede. Brunnstrom, who was sent to the Texas Stars for work earlier this month, recorded just his first point since Oct. 31.

Analysis: It has been a tough transition for Brunnstrom since he has come over from the Swedish Elite Legaue. He showed flashes of his potential last season, but he has really hit a rut in his second NHL campaign. Brunnstrom has a long ways to go to becoming a reliable Fantasy option.

Brunnstrom to AHL for conditioning again

News: The Stars have sent LW Fabian Brunnstrom to the AHL for a conditioning assignment.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has now been sent twice to the AHL for conditioning in the last couple of months. He has only played five times in December for Dallas, putting up less than seven minutes of ice time in three of them. Brunnstrom's Fantasy value really lies only in keeper formats at this point.

Brunnstrom up, Sutherby off IR

Analysis: Brunnstrom has just one goal and six assists in 17 games this season and has failed to live up to the offensive hype that followed him when he was signed last summer. He's only worth worrying about in deeper leagues. Sutherby is good defensively for Dallas, but he doesn't provide a lot for Fantasy owners. He has minimal appeal.

Brunnstrom off IR, to AHL for conditioning

News: The Stars have activated LW Fabian Brunnstrom (shoulder) from IR and have sent him to the AHL on a conditioning assignment.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has just one goal and six assists in 17 games this season and has failed to live up to the offensive hype that followed him when he was signed last summer. He will only worth worrying about in deeper leagues once he's back in Dallas.

Brunnstrom lands on injured reserve

News: The Stars have placed LW Fabian Brunnstrom on IR with a shoulder injury. Brunnstrom is practicing, but has not been cleared for contact yet.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has one goal and six assists in 17 games this season and has missed the last three games with this issue. He has failed to live up to the offensive hype that followed him when he was signed last summer and thus has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.

Brunnstrom misses Detroit game

News: Dallas LW Fabian Brunnstrom missed his third game on Wednesday against the Red Wings due to a shoulder injury. He is questionable for Thursday's game against the Blue Jackets.

Analysis: The Stars aren't yet missing Brunnstrom's presence because he has failed to live up to the offensive hype that followed him when he was signed last summer. Brunnstrom is having a decent start to the season but still has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.

Brunnstrom doesn't return Saturday

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom (shoulder) remained out of the lineup Saturday at Phoenix.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has seven points (one goal) in his first 17 games. He is playing a little bit better than in his rookie season with Dallas, but he still hasn't developed into that top offensive threat the Stars were hoping for when they signed him last summer. Brunnstrom has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy and is clearly a risky start for Fantasy Week 7 (Nov. 16-22).

Brunnstrom out as expected

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom missed Thursday's game against the Sharks with a shoulder injury. He is day to day.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has seven points (one goal) in his first 17 games. He is playing a little bit better than in his rookie season with Dallas, but he still hasn't developed into that top offensive threat the Stars were hoping for when they signed him last summer. Brunnstrom has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.

Brunnstrom has injured shoulder

News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom hurt his shoulder in practice Tuesday and will not play Thursday at San Jose. He is considered day-to-day.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has just seven points in 17 games this season and his Fantasy value has really been sliding ever since he scored a hat trick in his NHL debut last October. He is just a low-end Fantasy option in deeper leagues, when healthy.

Brunnstrom has first multi-point game

News: Dallas LW Fabian Brunnstrom recorded his first multi-point game of the season on Friday night during a 6-5 shootout loss to Florida. Brunnstrom scored his first goal of the season in the game and added his fifth assist. He now has six points on the year.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has been a huge disappointment since coming to the NHL as a top overseas import last season. He is mired on the team's fourth line and is barely worth Fantasy ownership until he starts showing some consistent production.

Brunnstrom plays under 10 minutes

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars RW Fabian Brunnstrom got his first assist of the season Saturday against the Predators (on James Neal's first goal), but his playing time was otherwise quiet. Playing on the Stars' fourth line, Brunnstrom played less than 10 minutes.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has been a huge disappointment since coming to the NHL as a top overseas import last season. The fact he has opened the season as a fourth liner doesn't sit well with Fantasy owners. Brunnstrom is just a player to store on your Fantasy bench until his breakout run.

Brunnstrom to see time in minors?

News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom has slipped down the depth chart and could be a healthy scratch a lot this season if he isn't sent to the minors.

Analysis: The Swede had a tough time adjusting to the North American game last season and also missed several weeks with injury. Brunnstrom is still a potential Fantasy sleeper Draft Day 2009, but if he doesn't see much of the ice, you should consider dropping him in smaller seasonal formats.

Stars expect improvement from Brunnstrom

News:The Sports Xchange reports RW Fabian Brunnstrom's offense last season wasn't a big surprise; the rookie was touted for his skills there. But Brunnstrom showed that he could still improve on the defensive side of the puck. With one full NHL season under his belt, and figuring that's the focus of his off-season work, the Stars probably expect to see some improvement there.

Analysis: While Brunnstrom did score 17 goals in 55 games last season, he did fall short of expectations after being the top overseas import in 2008-09. The Swede had a tough time adjusting to the North American game and even missed several weeks with injury. The coaching change to Marc Crawford could be what Brunnstrom needs to spark his game. But don't forget it some times takes Swedes a little bit longer to transition, but once they do, watch out. Brunnstrom is definitely a potential Fantasy sleeper Draft Day 2009.

Brunnstrom has first goal since Feb.

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Flames. The Stars, who snapped a seven-game skid Tuesday night against Los Angeles, took the early lead on Brunnstrom's 14th goal. The rookie scored on a back-hander at 3:02 of the first. It was his first goal since Feb. 19.

Analysis: The rookie forward started his NHL career on the right foot with a hat trick in his first game, but he hasn't been able to provide that same spark since. Injuries have played a part, but perhaps Brunnstrom just hasn't adapted to the NHL game. He remains a low-end Fantasy flier and potential long-term keeper.

Brunnstrom back in action on Wednesday

News: Dallas LW Fabian Brunnstrom was back in action on Wednesday against the Flames in a 2-1 loss. He failed to record an offensive stat in the game and took two shots. He had been out four games with an upper body injury.

Analysis: In his first year with the team, Brunnstrom has pretty much been a disappointment. Now that he's back, it's probably a good idea to still keep him out of nearly all lineups as he only has low-end appeal.

Brunnstrom out a fourth game

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom (upper body) was unable to play Tuesday against the Canucks. He has missed the last four games and remains questionable heading into Wednesday against the Flames.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has been frequently injured and pretty inconsistent in his first season with the Stars. He was supposed to be a breakout player this season, but it has not materialized. He has only low-end appeal when healthy.

Brunnstrom still sitting out

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom didn't dress for Saturday's game against the Wild because of a lower-body injury. He remains questionable heading into Tuesday at Vancouver.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has been frequently injured and pretty inconsistent in his first season with the Stars. He was supposed to be a breakout player this season, coming overseas, but it has not materialized. He has only low-end appeal when healthy and is an injury risk for the upcoming scoring period.

Brunnstrom sitting out again Thursday

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom didn't dress for Thursday's game against the Hurricanes because of a lower-body injury. He remains questionable heading into Thursday against the Hurricanes.

Analysis: Injuries and inconsistency has marred Brunnstrom's first season in the NHL. He came into the year with lofty expectations after being the NHL's biggest overseas catch, but Brunnstrom has fallen way short. He has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.

Brunnstrom sits out Tuesday

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom didn't dress for Tuesday's game against the Blues because of a lower-body injury. He remains questionable heading into Thursday against the Hurricanes.

Analysis: Injuries and inconsistency has marred Brunnstrom's first season in the NHL. He came into the year with lofty expectations after being the NHL's biggest overseas catch, but Brunnstrom has fallen way short. He has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.

Brunnstrom suffers another injury

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom sustained an upper body injury during Sunday's game against the Canadiens. He did not return and is listed as day to day.

Analysis: Injuries and inconsistency has marred Brunnstrom's first season in the NHL. He came into the year with lofty expectations after being the NHL's biggest overseas catch, but Brunnstrom has fallen way short. He has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.

Brunnstrom has two-point game

News: Dallas LW Fabian Brunnstrom had a goal and an assist to lead the Stars past the Oilers, 4-2 Thursday. Brunnstrom had his fifth game-winning goal of the season, which leads all rookies, after Edmonton rallied to tie it early in the second. He took a pass from Loui Eriksson and beat Edmonton G Dwayne Roloson from the right circle to give the Stars a 3-2 lead.

Analysis: Brunnstrom now has 20 points on the season with 13 goals and seven assists overall. He has a goal in three of his last six games with six points during that six-game span. However, he remains only a low-end option.

Brunnstrom scores on Saturday

News: Dallas LW Fabian Brunnstrom scored his 12th goal of the season on Saturday in the Stars' 6-2 loss to Chicago. Brunnstrom's goal made the score 5-1.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has been making his way on and off the injury report this season. He is having a below average season in terms of production and the injuries are only making matters worse. He is a player who can have a big second half of the season but only a low-end option at the moment.

Brunnstrom plays on Wednesday

News: Dallas LW was able to play against the Coyotes in a 1-0 loss on Wednesday. He had been listed as questionable with an ankle injury that kept him out of Sunday's game against Nashville.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has been making his way on and off the injury report this season. He is having a below average season in terms of production and the injuries are only making matters worse. He is a player who can have a big second half of the season but only a low-end option at the moment.

Brunnstrom nursing ankle injury

News:The Dallas Morning News reports Stars forward Fabian Brunnstrom missed Sunday's game against the Predators because of an ankle injury. He just returned from a 16-game absence because of a groin injury Friday against the Rangers.

Analysis: Brunnstrom was already underachieving before getting injured, but now he just can't stay healthy. Brunnstrom does have two goals and four assists in his last five games. He might finally be ready to go on a nice run after he has failed to meet expectations in the first half of the season. Brunnstrom has talent, but until he becomes a consistent threat and stays healthy, he is a low-end Fantasy option. Consider him an injury-risk start Week 19 (Feb. 9-15).

Brunnstrom fresh off injuries, scores

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom returned to the lineup Friday against the Rangers after missing the last two games with the flu and the previous 14 with a groin injury. He scored a goal, tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 in 11:34 of ice time. Brunnstrom sent home his 11th goal during a six-goal third period.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has two goals and four assists in his last five games. He might finally be ready to go on a nice run after he has failed to meet expectations in the first half of the season. Brunnstrom has talent, but until he becomes a consistent threat and stays healthy, he is a low-end Fantasy option.

Brunnstrom out again Thursday

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom was not active Thursday against the Avalanche because of the flu. He has missed the last two games and remains questionable heading into Friday against the Rangers.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has been a disappointment in 2008-09 after a huge-bidding war was won by Dallas in the offseason to get the Swedish import. Brunnstrom has talent, but until he becomes a consistent threat and stays healthy, he has little Fantasy appeal.

Flu keeps Brunnstrom in press box

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom missed Tuesday's game against the Flames because of the flu. He did participate in the morning skate and could be back on the ice Thursday against the Avalanche.

Analysis: The Stars recalled Brunnstrom Saturday after a brief rehabilitation stint in the AHL. He has not played since Dec. 27 because of a lower-body injury. Luckily, he didn't suffer a setback in that regard and is only dealing with the flu. Brunnstrom has been a disappointment in 2008-09 after a huge-bidding war was won by Dallas in the offseason to get the Swedish import. Brunnstrom has talent, but until he becomes a consistent threat and stays healthy, he has little Fantasy appeal.

Flu is now bothering Brunnstrom

News: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Stars coach Dave Tippett said recently recalled forward Fabian Brunnstrom is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Flames because of the flu.

Analysis: The Stars recalled Brunnstrom Saturday after a brief rehabilitation stint in the AHL. He has not played since Dec. 27 because of a lower-body injury. Luckily, he didn't suffer a setback in that regard and is only dealing with the flu. Brunnstrom has been a disappointment in 2008-09 after a huge-bidding war was won by Dallas in the offseason to get the Swedish import. Brunnstrom has talent, but until he becomes a consistent threat and stays healthy, he has little Fantasy appeal.

Brunnstrom recalled by Stars

News: The Stars recalled left wing Fabian Brunnstrom on Saturday after a brief rehabilitation stint in the minor leagues. Brunnstrom, who leads NHL rookies with four game-winning goals, played one game for Manitoba in the American Hockey League. He will rejoin Dallas after missing his 14th game when the Stars play at Columbus on Saturday night. He's been out with a lower body injury since Dec. 27 against Anaheim.

Analysis: The 23-year-old Swede has 10 goals and four assists in 31 games with the Stars. He is a solid keeper but is going to have little impact this season.

Brunnstrom sent down to AHL

Analysis: Brunnstrom was on IR with an ankle injury, but this doesn't seem to be a conditioning assignment. After a hot start, the rookie has been struggling ever since and could probably do with an AHL-induced confidence boost. He remains a nice keeper, but has minimal seasonal value while down in the minors.

Brunnstrom out through All-Star break

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom, who has been out since Dec. 27 with a high-ankle sprain, was unable to play Wednesday against the Panthers. He has been working out and practiced on Tuesday but was not expected to play in either game of the Stars' Florida road trip.

Analysis: It's no surprise that the Stars elected to take it slow with Brunnstrom and give him until after the All-Star break to get healthier and in better shape. Brunnstrom has some upside, but for now is a low-end option.

Brunnstrom doubtful for Wednesday

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom, who has been out since Dec. 27 with a high-ankle sprain, was unable to play Monday against the Lightning. He has worked out the last few days, but coach Dave Tippett said it was unlikely Brunnstrom would play on the two-game road trip, which concludes Wednesday against the Panthers.

Analysis: The Stars are likely going to play it safe here and keep Brunnstrom out until after the All-Star break. He has been pretty disappointing since recording a hat trick in his first career game. Brunnstrom has potential, but is a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice.

Brunnstrom might return Week 16

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars RW Fabian Brunnstrom (lower body) has skated the past few days and could practice on Sunday before the Stars head to Tampa. They play the Lightning Monday.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has been out since Dec. 27 and could miss a month of action if he doesn't play before the All-Star break. He has been pretty disappointing since recording a hat trick in his first career game. Brunnstrom has potential, but is a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice.

Brunnstrom still at least a week away

News: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom (lower body) is still another 7-10 days from returning. He has yet to return to practice.

Analysis: After producing only one point in November, Brunnstrom had seven in December and was starting to gain back some Fantasy respectability before this injury. Keep an eye on his progress, but he might not be back until Fantasy Week 16 (Jan. 19-25).

Brunnstrom, Lundqvist on IR

Analysis: A move to IR requires a player to sit out at least a week. While Brunnstrom will have to miss another couple of games, as he was hurt Dec. 27, Lundqvist has been out since Dec. 18 and could return to action at any time. This move was made simply to allow the Stars to call someone up from the minors.

Brunnstrom has lower-body problem

News: Dallas LW Fabian Brunnstrom was scratched from Monday's loss to the Sharks because of a lower-body injury.

Analysis: After producing only one point in November, Brunnstrom has seven in December and was starting to gain back some Fantasy respectability before this injury. Keep an eye on him as this week progresses.

Brunnstrom has three December goals

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom tallied a goal and finished at plus-1 during Friday's 3-1 win against the Red Wings. Dallas took the lead when Brunnstrom scored from the high slot at 7:27 into the second period. It was his third goal in five games.

Analysis: Brunnstrom is starting to heat up here in December and might finally be ready to go on that rookie run we have been waiting for since he had a hat trick in his NHL debut. Brunnstrom has been more disappointment than anything since his NHL career began and remains a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice.

Brunnstrom showing signs of life

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom scored his eighth goal of the season Wednesday in a loss to Phoenix. He now has three points in his last four games and 10 on the season.

Analysis: We all got excited when Brunnstrom opened his NHL career with a hat trick, but things have been disappointing since then. He's been getting a bit more ice time since the calendar changed to December, so hopefully he'll be able to keep this latest point spurt going. For now he remains just a bench option in deeper leagues.

Brunnstrom plays only one shift

News: Stars rookie LW Fabian Brunnstrom played only one shift in a win over the Oilers on Sunday.

Analysis: Man, it seems like that first-game hat trick from Brunnstrom was more than just a couple of months ago. He has failed to produce much of anything since then and his value in seasonal formats is about zero right now.

Brunnstrom a healthy scratch, again

News: LW Fabian Brunnstrom, the object of an offseason free-agent recruiting battle that involved more than 20 NHL teams, was a healthy scratch for the Stars during Thursday's 3-2 home loss against the Kings. Brunnstrom is minus-7 in 13 games.

Analysis: Brunnstrom was a healthy scratch to begin the season before Dallas gave him his first crack Oct. 15 against Nashville. He lit the lamp three times and became just the third NHL player to ever have a hat trick in his debut. Since that glorious night, Brunnstrom has scored just three times in 12 games. The Stars want more consistent play from Brunnstrom, and until they get it, he remains a low-end Fantasy forward.

Brunnstrom scores against Ducks

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom scored his sixth goal of the season in Friday's game at Anaheim. It was his first goal in three games and just his second point in his last six games.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has proven to be a decent scorer for the Stars, but he is not providing much else in the way of offense. Until he becomes an all-around threat, continue to treat Brunnstrom as a low-end Fantasy forward.

Brunnstrom tallies fifth goal

News: Rookie Fabian Brunnstrom had his fifth goal of the season for the Stars during a 6-5 loss to the Capitals Saturday. Dallas tied it at 2 with 9.6 seconds left in the first when Sean Avery's backhand pass set up Brunnstrom for a power-play goal. It was his second goal in six games since scoring three goals in his NHL debut Oct. 15.

Analysis: Brunnstrom has proven to be quite the scorer for the Stars, but he is not providing much else in the way of offense. Until he becomes an all-around threat, continue to treat Brunnstrom as a low-end Fantasy forward.

NHL takes notice of Brunnstrom

News: Buffalo Sabres left wing Thomas Vanek has been named the NHL's first star of the week for the week for Oct. 13-19. Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom was the second star and Dallas left wing Fabian Brunnstrom the third star.

Analysis: Brunnstrom scored a hat trick against the Nashville Predators in his NHL debut Wednesday, becoming just the third player to accomplish that feat. Alex Smart (Montreal) did it in 1943 and Real Cloutier (Quebec) in 1979. Brunnstrom is a top contender for Rookie of the Year and remains a viable No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward with room to improve.

Brunnstrom picks up another goal

News: Stars LW Fabian Brunnstrom scored a goal in Saturday's game against Colorado. The goal came in the first period on the only shot he attempted all afternoon. He finished the game with a minus-1 plus/minus rating.

Analysis: Rookies Brunnstrom and James Neal have combined for six of Dallas' 16 goals this season. Brunnstrom scored three of his goals in his debut and now has a goal in two of his three games. He remains a legit contender for Rookie of the Year and is worth owning in any league.

Hats off to Brunnstrom in debut

News: Maybe Fabian Brunnstrom's record-tying NHL debut earned him a more permanent role in the Dallas Stars' lineup. Brunnstrom scored three goals in his first NHL game to match the league record, and the Stars beat the Nashville Predators 6-4 on Wednesday for Dallas' first victory of the season. The Stars outbid several NHL teams in May to sign the skilled Swedish left wing, but Brunnstrom was a healthy scratch in Dallas' first two games. Brunnstrom insisted he wasn't upset at the snub and proved it, breaking a 4-4 tie with 3:25 left when he struck from close range off a feed from Brad Richards. "I wanted to play and be part of the team, but this team has really good players so you have to earn your spot," Brunnstrom said. "I felt comfortable out there from the start. It was fun, but the most important thing was that we won the game."

Analysis: The Swede became the third player in NHL history to score a hat trick in his first game, joining Alex Smart of the Montreal Canadiens (Jan. 14, 1943) and Real Cloutier of the Quebec Nordiques (Oct. 10, 1979). Brunnstrom gave Dallas a 4-3 advantage at 14:13 of the second period after Ryan Jones' first career goal 23 seconds earlier had drawn the Predators even. Playing on a line with Richards at center and Sean Avery on the right side, Brunnstrom scored from the slot for his first career goal at 11:45 of the second period for a 3-2 lead. "He was nervous when he got here," Richards said. "There's a lot of expectations on him and it was unreasonable. We wish he could have a hat trick every night but he was in the right place at the right time." Stars coach Dave Tippett said that while the goals were nice, he also liked the rookie's all-around game. "He's doing things beyond the goals that make you feel good," Tippett said. "He's a good player who will continue to improve." The Stars added Brunnstrom for added offense and he provided that Wednesday. Don't expect a hat trick every night, but Brunnstrom remains a legit contender for Rookie of the Year.